Frequently Asked Questions

When should I have my furnace or Air Conditioner serviced/cleaned?

Manufacturers recommend service and checking of the safety devices be checked on a yearly basis. A Gas Furnace can produce Carbon Monoxide and could be dangerous if not vented correctly. The ideal time for your furnace to be serviced is in the Fall, before you turn it on. Air Conditioners need to have the refrigerant(R-22, 410A) levels checked to make sure it is operating efficiently. The best time to have you’re A/C looked at is in the Spring. Heat Pumps should be serviced in both, the Spring and the Fall every year.

When it’s time to replace my Air Conditioner, should I go with a larger unit?

Not always. Many factors are considered when determining the size A/C unit you need such as, the size of your house, insulation levels, duct work size, etc. Just putting in a larger Air Conditioner can not only cost more to operate and may not be as comfortable. Having a unit to large can possibly damage your unit.

What temperature should I set my Thermostat at?

Research shows a good starting point for heating your home is about 70 degrees. To cool your home, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at about 75 degrees. Temperature settings should be what feels the most comfortable to you.

How often should I change my air filter?

There are many different types of filters. For the standard 1” fiberglass filter, we recommend changing it out every 30 days. There is a washable version of this filter available and instead of throwing it away you should clean it every 30 days. The 1” pleated filter may need to be changed every 3 or 4 weeks. 4” media filters should be changed approximately every 6 months.

How long can I expect my new system to last?

If you have a qualified HVAC technician perform yearly maintenance (serviced/cleaned) as recommended by the manufacturer on your unit, industry averages suggest that an Air Conditioner last about 12-15 years and a Gas Furnace should last up to 20-25 years.

Should I change my indoor coil?

If you are replacing your Heat Pump or Air Conditioner, then the answer is most likely yes. Efficiency ratings for an Air Conditioner or Heat Pump are based on performance as part of a matched system . If only the outdoor portion is changed, the savings and efficiency may be less than that of a matched system. What is Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer? Not just anyone can become a Factory Authorized Dealer. Actually, less than 5 percent of heating and cooling Professionals in the country receive this distinction. Only dealers who meet their high standards and close scrutiny –not only for technical expertise, but also for business practices and customer service quality- can earn this distinction. Here at Stivers Heating and Air Conditioning we take great pride in being Louisville’s oldest Bryant Dealer!

What is an Air Conditioner?

Air conditioning is the process of altering the properties of air (primarily temperature and humidity) to more favorable conditions. More generally, air conditioning can refer to any form of technological cooling, heating, ventilation, or disinfection that modifies the condition of air.[1] An air conditioner (often referred to as AC) is a major or home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to change the air temperature and humidity within an area (used for cooling and sometimes heating depending on the air properties at a given time). The cooling is typically done using a simple refrigeration cycle, but sometimes evaporation is used, commonly for comfort cooling in buildings and motor vehicles. In construction, a complete system of heating, ventilation and air conditioning is referred to as “HVAC”. The basic concept behind air conditioning is known to have been applied in ancient Egypt where reeds hung in windows had water trickling down. The evaporation of water cooled the air blowing through the window, though this process also made the air more humid. In Ancient Rome, water from aqueducts was circulated through the walls of certain houses to cool them down. Other techniques in medieval Persia involved the use of cisterns and wind towers to cool buildings during the hot season. Modern air conditioning emerged from advances in chemistry during the 19th century, and the first large-scale electrical air conditioning was invented and used in 1911 by Willis Haviland Carrier. The introduction of residential air conditioning in the 1920s helped start the great migration to the Sunbelt.